Do Morality-Based Individual Differences and Relational Climates Matter? Ethical Leadership and Knowledge Hiding: A Multilevel Framework

The purpose of the study is to uncover how and when ethical leadership impacts knowledge hiding behavior. First, by examining the individual level morality-based characteristics (moral identity and reflective moral attentiveness) as separate and serial mediators concerning ethical leadership and knowledge hiding (level 1). Second, by investigating the moderating role of team- level relational climates in relation to ethical leadership and knowledge hiding (level 2). Time- lagged design was used to collect data through a structured questionnaire from 300 employees of Information Technology (IT) organizations in Pakistan. Level 1 findings revealed a significant and negative relationship of ethical leadership with knowledge hiding. Follower's individual level morality-based characteristics served as individual and serial mediators to ethical leadership and knowledge hiding. Level 2 of the study only found the moderating role of team communal sharing climate in relation to ethical leadership and knowledge hiding. The study brings to fore the morality-based perspective for understanding knowledge hiding at the workplace. The purpose of the study is to uncover how and when ethical leadership impacts knowledge hiding behavior. First, by examining the individual level morality-based characteristics (moral identity and reflective moral attentiveness) as separate and serial mediators concerning ethical leadership and knowledge hiding (level 1). Second, by investigating the moderating role of team-level relational climates in relation to ethical leadership and knowledge hiding (level 2). Time-lagged design was used to collect data through a structured questionnaire from 300 employees of Information Technology (IT) organizations in Pakistan. Level 1 findings revealed a significant and negative relationship of ethical leadership with knowledge hiding. Follower's individual level morality-based characteristics served as individual and serial mediators to ethical leadership and knowledge hiding. Level 2 of the study only found the moderating role of team communal sharing climate in relation to ethical leadership and knowledge hiding. The study brings to fore the morality-based perspective for understanding knowledge hiding at the workplace.

Automated summary

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of ethical leadership on knowledge hiding behavior and the role of individual and team-level factors. The findings reveal that ethical leadership has a negative relationship with knowledge hiding and that individual morality-based characteristics mediate this relationship. Additionally, team communal sharing climate moderates the relationship between ethical leadership and knowledge hiding. This study highlights the importance of considering morality-based perspectives in understanding knowledge hiding in the workplace.